What's in a name?
Elder Hop and Elder Nelson
Gettin around in style!
Ahhh, dinner at the Olive Garden. It soothes the soul!Sunday, August 30, 2009
More Pictures
Yesterday brought us a nice gift. We received these photos from a friend of ours who lived in Raleigh for years until moving to North Ogden a while back. He works in Boise occasionally and was able to meet up with Elder Hopkins and his trainer Elder Nelson and take them to dinner. Afterward, he took some photos of them in front of their residence. Thanks O'Neill!
What's in a name?
Elder Hop and Elder Nelson
Gettin around in style!
Ahhh, dinner at the Olive Garden. It soothes the soul!
What's in a name?
Elder Hop and Elder Nelson Gettin around in style! Ahhh, dinner at the Olive Garden. It soothes the soul!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Letter - Week of 8/24/09
Hello people!
Sorry it's been a few weeks, but I've been kind of busy trying to work a couple things out, things I needed from home and stuff like that.
Anyway, things have been going great in Boise! I'm really bummed because the computer I've been using doesn't have Picture Manager, so I can't compress my pictures to send them in e-mails more than one at a time, which takes a while anyway (10M pictures are huge.)
But there are some cool things that have happened recently. For starters, I participated in my first mission baptism. It was for a lady named Carol we had been working with. We had been teaching her for a while, and some missionaries had been teaching her before I even got here. She decided that she wanted to join the church after we had a few meetings with her, which Elder Nelson said was pretty miraculous.
Other than that, we've been teaching a lot and having tons of fun. We actually got to play paintball with some members this past Saturday, as well as some people who were investigating the church. It was really really fun. I got shot in the behind, among other places. We had a really good course to play on with bunkers and hideouts and stuff like that. It was REALLY hot though. Just under 100 and we were out in the open sun. We also were able to hang out with one of our favorite member families, the Weybrights. We played a couple games with them and they gave us good food!
We've been working really hard lately, doing some sheet-rocking and other service things around the community, as well as teaching a lot of people who are interested in the church. It's kind of a tough area, because most people here are either already members or know they don't want to be. It's funny, how you'll walk (or bike) down the street and have people yell at you and tell you that you worship the Devil and stuff. It really gets under Elder Nelson's skin, but it always just makes me laugh that they would make an effort to yell at someone as if what they say would make us completely rethink our lives and decide to go home. Silly people.
Anyway, thanks for all the letters you guys have sent! I know everyone is starting school, so if you haven't already, send me your college addresses!
I'll write again soon!
-Elder Hopkins
Also, here is a picture that I (Alex) found on Mike's Facebook that someone had taken of him and another Elder outside the Provo temple near the MTC in Utah!
We're all glad to know that he's doing well. Please remember to pray for him to be happy and to be able to influence everyone around him for good. :)
Sorry it's been a few weeks, but I've been kind of busy trying to work a couple things out, things I needed from home and stuff like that.
Anyway, things have been going great in Boise! I'm really bummed because the computer I've been using doesn't have Picture Manager, so I can't compress my pictures to send them in e-mails more than one at a time, which takes a while anyway (10M pictures are huge.)
But there are some cool things that have happened recently. For starters, I participated in my first mission baptism. It was for a lady named Carol we had been working with. We had been teaching her for a while, and some missionaries had been teaching her before I even got here. She decided that she wanted to join the church after we had a few meetings with her, which Elder Nelson said was pretty miraculous.
Other than that, we've been teaching a lot and having tons of fun. We actually got to play paintball with some members this past Saturday, as well as some people who were investigating the church. It was really really fun. I got shot in the behind, among other places. We had a really good course to play on with bunkers and hideouts and stuff like that. It was REALLY hot though. Just under 100 and we were out in the open sun. We also were able to hang out with one of our favorite member families, the Weybrights. We played a couple games with them and they gave us good food!
We've been working really hard lately, doing some sheet-rocking and other service things around the community, as well as teaching a lot of people who are interested in the church. It's kind of a tough area, because most people here are either already members or know they don't want to be. It's funny, how you'll walk (or bike) down the street and have people yell at you and tell you that you worship the Devil and stuff. It really gets under Elder Nelson's skin, but it always just makes me laugh that they would make an effort to yell at someone as if what they say would make us completely rethink our lives and decide to go home. Silly people.
Anyway, thanks for all the letters you guys have sent! I know everyone is starting school, so if you haven't already, send me your college addresses!
I'll write again soon!
-Elder Hopkins
Also, here is a picture that I (Alex) found on Mike's Facebook that someone had taken of him and another Elder outside the Provo temple near the MTC in Utah!
We're all glad to know that he's doing well. Please remember to pray for him to be happy and to be able to influence everyone around him for good. :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
A pleasant Surprise
So, about 9:30 pm last night, our phone rings and it is a call from a sister in the Columbus Park Ward in the Boise South Stake, Sis. Diana Swanson. (A Ward is a congregation and a Stake is made up of several Wards) We have never met her before. Her call to us was a pleasant surprise. She and her husband asked Elder Hopkins for his home phone number. They wanted to call to say that he and his companion, Elder Nelson, had just eaten dinner at thier home and had some good news to to share.
She said that Elder Hopkins looked good and was happy. He offered a short message about our Savior Jesus Christ to thier family. She said he taught with a very sweet Spirit. She found it hard to believe he was a "greenie" (New Missionary).
During dinner, Elder Hopkins told the Swansons that he and Elder Nelson had taught a lesson to an middle-aged woman who had known about the Church for quite some time. The Elders were able to teach with the Spirit and through the prayers of many, she committed to Baptism this coming Saturday, August 22nd.
We were delighted to hear such great news and were very humbled that Elder Hopkins was able to be a part of this event. Hearing from another member, who also has a son on a mission right now, really warmed our heart. It was very meaningful that she thought to call us with this news!
Go Elders!
She said that Elder Hopkins looked good and was happy. He offered a short message about our Savior Jesus Christ to thier family. She said he taught with a very sweet Spirit. She found it hard to believe he was a "greenie" (New Missionary).
During dinner, Elder Hopkins told the Swansons that he and Elder Nelson had taught a lesson to an middle-aged woman who had known about the Church for quite some time. The Elders were able to teach with the Spirit and through the prayers of many, she committed to Baptism this coming Saturday, August 22nd.
We were delighted to hear such great news and were very humbled that Elder Hopkins was able to be a part of this event. Hearing from another member, who also has a son on a mission right now, really warmed our heart. It was very meaningful that she thought to call us with this news!
Go Elders!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
More about week one
Hey everyone, I was able to get a few more minutes online during my preparation day or as we call it, "P-Day". I've been in Boise my first week and it's been really exciting and fun. Like I mentioned last week, Elder Nelson is my trainer/companion and Elder Keith (from Raleigh, also) has been hanging out with us for this week only. He goes home in two days. We've been doing tons of stuff.
I finally got some pictures to download, so now you can know what all these people I'm talking about look like. I have added them to earlier posts while at the MTC. You can see them below.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the outside sleep last night was a HUGE success and we're doing it again tonight. We're also going to get Mongolian Grill for dinner, which is by far some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life, bar none.
We still go around on bikes a lot, but also drive part of the time. I've found that I really really like biking and I'll probably buy a bike when I get home and get around that way when I go back to Rexburg. It's started cooling off from the 100s it's been in this week, which is nice.
I appreciate all the letters you guys send, as well as the packages I've received. Remember, if you DO decide to send a package, use the US Postal Service so I can get it quicker. Like I always say, I always appreciate mail, whether letters, packages, pictures, postcards or e-mail. I especially have liked the pictures some of you have sent. It's just nice to see faces of my friends!
Anyway, I better bounce, but I'll write again next Tuesday. Until then, take it easy, everyone and have a great week!
- E. Hops
I finally got some pictures to download, so now you can know what all these people I'm talking about look like. I have added them to earlier posts while at the MTC. You can see them below.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the outside sleep last night was a HUGE success and we're doing it again tonight. We're also going to get Mongolian Grill for dinner, which is by far some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life, bar none.
We still go around on bikes a lot, but also drive part of the time. I've found that I really really like biking and I'll probably buy a bike when I get home and get around that way when I go back to Rexburg. It's started cooling off from the 100s it's been in this week, which is nice.
I appreciate all the letters you guys send, as well as the packages I've received. Remember, if you DO decide to send a package, use the US Postal Service so I can get it quicker. Like I always say, I always appreciate mail, whether letters, packages, pictures, postcards or e-mail. I especially have liked the pictures some of you have sent. It's just nice to see faces of my friends!
Anyway, I better bounce, but I'll write again next Tuesday. Until then, take it easy, everyone and have a great week!
- E. Hops
One week down in Boise!
Sorry this is such a short post everyone, but I spent pretty much all my alloted time on the computer today trying to get some pictures of me to download, but I can't compress them on the computer I'm using. The files are WAY too big. I'll try on a different computer at a later time.
Everything is awesome here, Elder(Colton)Keith, who I know from Raleigh, is with my companion Elder Nelson and me until this Thursday. We've been having tons of fun working together.
We slept outside last night! We just dragged our mattresses onto the lawn and slept there. It was pretty awesome.
I got a package today from my mom and dad. I really appreciated everything! I know it must've killed Dad to give up that bag of Tootsie Roll mini's that was in there. I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. We Elder's really appreciate when you write to us.
Love,
Elder Hopkins
Everything is awesome here, Elder(Colton)Keith, who I know from Raleigh, is with my companion Elder Nelson and me until this Thursday. We've been having tons of fun working together.
We slept outside last night! We just dragged our mattresses onto the lawn and slept there. It was pretty awesome.
I got a package today from my mom and dad. I really appreciated everything! I know it must've killed Dad to give up that bag of Tootsie Roll mini's that was in there. I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. We Elder's really appreciate when you write to us.
Love,
Elder Hopkins
Thursday, July 30, 2009
First Adventure in Boise Idaho
Hello hello hello everyone!
So I'm finally in Boise! Here's a picture of President and Sister Yardley and me on my first day at the mission office. The Yardley's are resopnsible for all the missionaries in the Idaho Boise Mission. They are awesome. They are from Panguitch, Utah which is in the South Western part of the state down near Bryce Canyon. My mom and dad were just there being tourists the very day after they dropped me off at the Missionary Training Center.
I met my trainer, Elder Nelson, who's a cool guy. We've really hit it off, so hopefully, he'll help me learn and we'll get along. We went out and walked around the area a little and met a few people, all of who were super friendly. These people don't have much, but what they DO have is a smile and an open heart and that's what counts. I love it here. As far as the weather, it's pretty much optimal. It can be a little hot, but it seems like there's always a breeze blowing to make it ok. It's also very dry which is nice. It's awesome to look and see mountains around everywhere and there's actually a decent amount of trees in this area.
Today (Wednesday 7/29/09) we realized that we needed to use some bikes to get where we needed to go, but all we have to use at the house we're staying at are a couple old beach cruisers. So we went riding down the street on these "old-school" beach cruising bikes, ringing the bells and laughing on our way to our appointments. It's going to be fun being here. It's still a little strange being in a new place, but I'm sure I'll warm up to it after a short while.
I'd love to hear from everyone. Feel free to send pictures and messages and things so I know what's going on back home. I'm so excited to be here. The mission covers a large area and my first area is in South Boise, right near the Mission Office. If you send packages use USPS not FedEx or UPS or anything like that, or I have to go to the mission home to get it which is a ways away. So,if you haven't already been informed, here's my mailing address:
Elder Mike Hopkins
Boise Idaho Mission Office
1111 S. Cole Rd.
Boise, ID 83709
Also, my trainer is from Canada, America's hat. We joke around a lot and already have fun. I have pictures, which I'll start uploading soon so everyone can see what's going on! I love you all and thanks for your support! Keep writing!
-Elder Hopkins
So I'm finally in Boise! Here's a picture of President and Sister Yardley and me on my first day at the mission office. The Yardley's are resopnsible for all the missionaries in the Idaho Boise Mission. They are awesome. They are from Panguitch, Utah which is in the South Western part of the state down near Bryce Canyon. My mom and dad were just there being tourists the very day after they dropped me off at the Missionary Training Center.
I met my trainer, Elder Nelson, who's a cool guy. We've really hit it off, so hopefully, he'll help me learn and we'll get along. We went out and walked around the area a little and met a few people, all of who were super friendly. These people don't have much, but what they DO have is a smile and an open heart and that's what counts. I love it here. As far as the weather, it's pretty much optimal. It can be a little hot, but it seems like there's always a breeze blowing to make it ok. It's also very dry which is nice. It's awesome to look and see mountains around everywhere and there's actually a decent amount of trees in this area.
Today (Wednesday 7/29/09) we realized that we needed to use some bikes to get where we needed to go, but all we have to use at the house we're staying at are a couple old beach cruisers. So we went riding down the street on these "old-school" beach cruising bikes, ringing the bells and laughing on our way to our appointments. It's going to be fun being here. It's still a little strange being in a new place, but I'm sure I'll warm up to it after a short while.
I'd love to hear from everyone. Feel free to send pictures and messages and things so I know what's going on back home. I'm so excited to be here. The mission covers a large area and my first area is in South Boise, right near the Mission Office. If you send packages use USPS not FedEx or UPS or anything like that, or I have to go to the mission home to get it which is a ways away. So,if you haven't already been informed, here's my mailing address:
Elder Mike Hopkins
Boise Idaho Mission Office
1111 S. Cole Rd.
Boise, ID 83709
Also, my trainer is from Canada, America's hat. We joke around a lot and already have fun. I have pictures, which I'll start uploading soon so everyone can see what's going on! I love you all and thanks for your support! Keep writing!
-Elder Hopkins
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Boise Bound
This morning the phone rang promptly at 9:15 am. It was our missionary Mike calling from the SLC airport. Those of you who have been through the Salt Lake airport on Tuesday mornings have the visual...banks of pay phones lined with new missionaries making that last call before they reach their assigned area. It was great to hear his voice. He is very excited. He learned a lot in the Missionary Training Center and made lots of good friends. He and five others are flying to Boise today.
He has recieved a lot of mail from many of you. He tells us that is what keeps them connected and helps move them forward in the work. His new address in the Idaho Boise Mission is:
Elder Mike Hopkins
Idaho Boise Mission
1111 S. Cole Road
Boise, ID 83709-1869
He enjoyed serving as a District Leader and indicated to us how much love he felt toward each missionary in his district as he prayed for them individually in his daily prayers. He says he hopes all of you are well and loves each of you.
Please write a note when you can. Care packages are also welcomed.
Here's a thought from Elder Russell M. Nelson one of the Twelve Apostles in our Church:
"As the work expands at a rate that many have described as "unbelievable," we should recall a remarkable admonition given by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith on 11 September 1831 to the elders of the Church assembled at the Morley Farm near Kirtland, Ohio. There the Master simply said": ' "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" ' (Doctrine & Covenants Section 64 verse 33).
Check back for pictures soon.
He has recieved a lot of mail from many of you. He tells us that is what keeps them connected and helps move them forward in the work. His new address in the Idaho Boise Mission is:
Elder Mike Hopkins
Idaho Boise Mission
1111 S. Cole Road
Boise, ID 83709-1869
He enjoyed serving as a District Leader and indicated to us how much love he felt toward each missionary in his district as he prayed for them individually in his daily prayers. He says he hopes all of you are well and loves each of you.
Please write a note when you can. Care packages are also welcomed.
Here's a thought from Elder Russell M. Nelson one of the Twelve Apostles in our Church:
"As the work expands at a rate that many have described as "unbelievable," we should recall a remarkable admonition given by the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith on 11 September 1831 to the elders of the Church assembled at the Morley Farm near Kirtland, Ohio. There the Master simply said": ' "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" ' (Doctrine & Covenants Section 64 verse 33).
Check back for pictures soon.
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